Top 5 media streamers of 2016

27 June 2016

Transcript

[SOUND] Which streamer should you get?
There's a lot of options.
For this list, we're going to choose the best from five different manufacturers.
Otherwise, this list would be dominated by Roku.
Also, this list is approved by CNET's own TV guru, David Katzmaier.
[SOUND] At number five, the Nvidia Shield.
This is an Android TV device with a ton of power.
It can stream 4k from streaming services like YouTube, And Netflix.
The Shield also features a lot of great apps, but not as many as you'll see on other streamers on this list.
For example, you will not find Amazon Instant Video on the Shield.
However, the Shield does offer Pretty sweet Plex setup.
It can act as a Plex server, so you can stream video from the shield easily to other devices.
At number four, the Amazon Fire TV.
If you love using Amazon video, this box is your best bet.
Its voice search works really well, and it can also stream in 4K.
If you're looking for a general streamer for Netflix, Hulu, or YouTube, expect all those apps to take a backseat to Amazon's own video service.
At number three is the Google Chromecast.
The Chromecast really is more of a smartphone accessory than a dedicated streamer.
On its own, the Chromecast will show you a nice wallpaper with a clock but it won't stream a dang thing.
However, if you have a phone it will take care of that.
It's only $35 in the US, which is super cheap.
If you're a person who loves sharing things from your phone, the Chromecast is hard to beat.
At number two, its the Apple TV.
If you get your movies or tv shows from iTunes, you should really have an Apple TV.
The fourth generation version is speedy and that remote with Sirius Sport is excellent.
It is a bit pricey but if you're only using an Apple TV for Apple stuff, the cheaper third generation will handle the job quite nicely.
And at number one, it's the Roku Streaming Stick.
This is flat out the best deal for your money.
Unlike other companies Roku doesn't push it's own service, so it supports pretty much any video service out there.
The streaming stick costs $15 more than the Chromecast.
And it has dedicated apps.
For the most part, this is the streamer that should make the most people happy.
For more top fives, visit top5.cnet.com.
I'm Iyaz Akhtar and I'll see you online.